Tag Archives: 50th Anniversary

Brit Tommy Martin started as a Bartender at Corona del Mar’s Five Crowns back in 1968. 50 years later Tommy is the longest serving, active co-worker at Five Crowns. Earlier this Summer he was recognized with a very special honor.

“In 1968, our favorite Brit, Tommy Martin, moved to Orange County from the East Coast. Seeing Five Crowns’ Tudor architecture and red English phone booth, he quickly applied for a job, sensing he and the restaurant would be a perfect fit. Lucky for us he was right. Little did we know that half a century later, after working as bartender, wine captain and now as our Guest Ambassador, Tommy would be Lawry’s longest serving active co-worker.”

“His energetic, positive attitude and genuine desire to make every moment memorable have endeared him to two generations of guests. For many, a night at Five Crowns without a visit tableside from him doesn’t quite seem the same. For first-timers, meeting such a colorful and charming character, English accent and all, has been a wonderful introduction to the restaurant, its hospitality and its history.”

When you see Tommy at Five Crowns ask him about the night Elizabeth Taylor came in and had a special request…

Benjies New York Deli, Restaurant & Avenue K Bar in Santa Ana has been operating as a two-generation family owned New York-style deli originated by Stan Weinstein in 1967 and still operated today by Stan’s son and daughter-in-law, Lloyd & Noriko Weinstein. On October 6th they celebrated their 50th anniversary of continuous service.

The Weinstein’s strive to maintain the family-oriented-style,quality restaurant created by Stan, while keeping up with modern trends in dining. Benjies offers the truly New York style deli experience in Orange County, California—large portions, fresh products and an extensive array of menu items—mouth-watering pastrami on rye, and soul-warming Matzo Ball soup to absolutely decadent desserts. Their signature Reuben Sandwich was a past 1st place winner at the O.C. Fair.

Added in the last 18 months is the Avenue K Bar with a modern stylish atmosphere. On the menu are a broad selection of ice cold craft beers on tap and specialty cocktails. Also available in Avenue K is Benjies’ full menu along with a standout Happy Hour appetizer (think Reuben fritters) and cocktail Menu served from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. With multiple HD, wall-mounted large-screen televisions placed strategically around the room it’s a great spot to enjoy college and pro football as well as Anaheim Ducks Hockey.

On Thursday evening, August 10thChef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa is hosting a sumptuous, 7-course, premium wine-paired dinner with an abundance of passed hors d’oeuvre as a festive Friends of James BeardFoundation Benefit to celebrate South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary. Chef Amar is also well-known locally for Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna beach and as the runner-up from lucky Season 13 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” in what the judges noted was the tightest final competition of the series’ long history!

Santana and partner Ahmed Labbate, whose roots together at South Coast Plaza go back to 2008 when they opened Charlie Palmer, will welcome 100 discriminating guests with a love of food and wine to the Beard dinner. Santana is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

The festivities on August 10 will include a small silent auction during an al fresco reception. While enjoying the signature Vaca Tonic and hors d’oeuvres, guests may peruse deluxe offerings, which will include a LVMH luxury Champagne experience for 16 guests; packages from South Coast Plaza, the Montage Laguna Beach and Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, unique dining experiences, luxury travel destinations, and high-end wines.

Seats are $350 and $300 for members of the James Beard Foundation, all inclusive. If you’re celebrating something very special this is the over-the-top culinary evening experience you’ll want to be a part of!

For reservations to the Friends of James Beard Dinner at Vaca, please register online here. For more information, please contact VACA GM Ghali Benhima at 714.463.6060. A credit card will be requested to secure the reservation.

Anne Marie managed six courses in one evening’s ample dining excursion. Course Four was an intriguing Lima Bean Soup from zCafe. It’s a tribute to the farmland that was the past of the land South Coast Plaza now occupies. The “farm” was planted in lima beans. They still grow a few lima beans on Segerstrom property, and the Lima Beans used in the anniversary soup are actually sourced from this property!

Journalist Brock Radke is our well-connected Las Vegas insider. He’s the Managing Editor of Las Vegas Weekly and has been reporting on the dynamic Las Vegas scene for 15 years. He’s back with his regular dining update.

Jenny Rush owns and operates Blue Plate in Santa Monica, Blue PlateOysterette in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, and Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica. “PPLA Food Fare is pleased to recognize Jenny for her outstanding contributions to Los Angeles’ culinary culture as well as her dedication to PPLA’s mission to support community health, education and wellness.”

PPLA Food Fare is one of Los Angeles’ most highly anticipated annual foodie events. On Thursday, March 3, 2016, this gastronomic affair will showcase over 100 of Southern California’s best chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, wineries, breweries, vendors and merchants, as well as entertainment, raffles and auctions.

Food Fare is PPLA’s largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds benefit the health care and education services that PPLA offers through their 20 health centers throughout LA County. Founded in 1965, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at the 2016 Food Fare.

Look who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar.

To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and newly promoted Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.)

The refreshed menu presents nearly three times the culinary selections of past menus including a broad array of starters, main dishes, new family-style options and seafood selections. It breaks guests out of the expected course structure of fine dining. The fare pays homage to some of the Five Crowns heritage items, but with a modern twist. The new menu and beverage program are only the beginning of exciting Five Crowns at 50 announcements expected throughout the year.

There is also some quiet conversation about a “rediscovered” hidden speakeasy.

General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the creative enhancements.

The Five Crowns General Manager, Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” continue with their tempting overview of the creative enhancements to the restaurant to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in Corona del Mar.

There is lots more than the wonderful Lawry’s prime rib on the menu these days!

Amber is doing a whole bar program with Absinthe. She explains why Absinthe has been rediscovered in the United States.